Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Margaret Adamson Monday lauded leadership of the outgoing Army Chief General Raheel Sharif in combating terrorism and welcomed the change of command in the Pakistan Army through established rules and regulations.
Talking to reporters informally at the Australian High Commission after hosting a reception in honour of Lahore Qalandars' cricket team upon their return from Australia, Adamson appreciated crucial role of the outgoing Army Chief General Raheel Sharif in the fight against terrorism. She said that General Sharif fulfilled his responsibilities in a professional way and successfully passed all the hurdles in combating terrorism.
She pointed out that Pakistan and Australia are enjoying strong defence relations, adding a number of Pakistani military officers are also getting training in her country under this bilateral co-operation.
To a question, the High Commissioner said that Australian immigration laws are based on indiscrimination, adding the refugees coming via sea without visas are being discouraged, as it involves risk of life. However, she clarified that there is no ban on refugees traveling to Australia through proper procedure. She said that every year, hundreds of refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran are coming to Australia. She further said that there is co-operation between Pakistan and Australia in education sector which has been continued and hundreds of Pakistani students are studying in Australian universities at present.